Overview
- Police said the cylinder used to fill balloons exploded around 7:30 p.m. inside a small shop at the Thenpennai River festival in Manalurpettai, Kallakurichi.
- Local officials told The Hindu that one victim, identified as Kala, died and at least 12 were injured, with six patients in intensive care in Tiruvannamalai.
- A later agency report cited a district collector stating one death and 18 injuries, reflecting continuing discrepancies in early tallies.
- The cylinder operator and a boy were reported in critical condition as hospitals treated multiple casualties.
- Police cordoned off the area and said the cause of the explosion is under investigation at the crowded post-Pongal celebration.